I have a Selmer Omega low B flat key closed hole flute that I have owned for 24 years. The previous owner was the 80TH Army Band. I am trying to find out how old it is and how much it is worth. I have called Selmer and they told me they don't have any information and can't look up serial numbers. Does anyone know how to get this information before I try to sell the flute? Please just let me know Thanks.

First off, are you sure it does not have a standard low B foot? It most likely would be a very rare model if it did have a low B flat. That is odd that Selmer can't tell you anything about it?? Is there a serial # anywhere on it?

Yes there is a serial number on it and I question the lady when she said she didn't have the serial number. I had called local music stores and they told me to call Selmer. The lady at Selmer told me to take it to a pawn shop, music store or look on Ebay. I was really surprised she didn't have this information.

I would try calling Selmer back. This time, don't ask about how much it's worth, just tell them you want to find out how old it is and that you have the serial number. If the first person you talk to can't give you at least range of years, then ask to talk to their supervisor to see if they know of a way to get an approximate age.

Of course, they might not track serial numbers in their records. In that case, you're out of luck.

In terms of worth, there I've not seen anything comparable being sold anywhere. It is a rare item, though. Do you know if it is silver or silver plated? I would take the prices of what similar Selmers are going for and add about $400 for the Bb foot. (The $400 is arbitrary, but how much extra I personally would pay for a flute with a Bb foot -- if I hadn't already spent all my money on my other flutes and piccolos.)

Good luck!

Atoriphile,

The flute does say coin silver on it. I am also going to try calling Selmer back and see where I get this time.

After doing a little searching, I found this: http://www.marshwoodwinds.com/ViewItem.asp?ItemID=1011& . It is listed at $695.

However, one sold for $800 according to http://www2.cruzio.com/~sgray/used.html . There is also one currently for sale for $850 at http://www.netinstruments.com/a.php?a=34742 .


<Added>

I forgot to mention that the last two links don't mention anything about the low Bb foot, so you may be able to sell yours for more than that.

Also, it is not clear in the pictures at the first link that this flute actually has a Bb foot. It looks just like a standard B foot to me.

Atoriphile, I believe the OP mistakenly called a B foot a Bb foot (I believe Kara made the same assumption). The Selmer omegas are not all that rare. I've seen many sell through eBay and other services. How much your particular instrument is worth, however, I cannot say. It has less silver content than a sterling silver flute (90% as compared to 92.5%), but metal is only part of the value. Playability and condition will dictate the rest of its price.

Atoriphile, I believe the OP mistakenly called a B foot a Bb foot (I believe Kara made the same assumption).

No, actually, I didn't. I did not want to assume anything, so I questioned it first because there were older flutes that were made with a B flat foot. I have not heard of it on a Selmer, but you never know... My guess it that it would only be worth under $500 if that. Pawn shops and ebay will not be a good places to sell if you are looking to get what it is worth.

The Selmer "Omega" line was proprietary line offered to particular dealers as a "step up" intermediate flute. They were sold maybe as early as the mid 80's at least through the 90's. The proprietary lines were established primarily so that internet stores couldn't sell them. Some companies still have proprietary labels as well in current production.

Joe B